Sunderland's League One rivals 'priced out' of deal for Jermain Defoe amid Stadium of Light return rumours
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The experienced striker sees his contract at Rangers expire this summer and has been linked with a return to Sunderland.
And it has now been revealed that Ipswich Town had considered a move for Defoe, only to conclude that the deal was not financially viable.
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Hide AdThe East Anglian Daily Times have reported that the 38-year-old was discussed as a potential recruit by the club’s new American owners as they looked to make a statement signing in the transfer market.
But with Defoe understood to be on a weekly wage of around £35,000, it was thought that a deal would be difficult to seal.
Speaking to the Daily Record recently, the striker said he would like to stay at Rangers ‘forever.
"It's unbelievable,” said Defoe, after the club lifted the Scottish title.
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Hide Ad"I'm so happy for everyone involved. Especially the fans, because they're the best fans in the world. It's an unbelievable football club.
"I want to stay here forever. I love it here. Everyone knows it's special."
Meanwhile, Luke O’Nien has been linked with four Championship clubs following the 2020/21 season.
The fan favourite is out of contract on Wearside this summer, but has been offered a new deal by the club.
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Hide AdFootball Insider claim that O’Nien is drawing admiring glances from the second tier, with Luton Town, Middlesbrough, Preston North End and Millwall all credited with an interest in the 26-year-old.